Sixth Form in York

Queen Margaret's is an all-girls day and boarding school with a thriving sixth form in York, Yorkshire. We are renowned for high achievement and student well-being, and we were recently named as Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2021.

Whether you join as a boarding student, a flexi-boarder, or a day student, our Sixth Form gives you a choice of 30 subjects and a huge range of enrichment opportunities.

With independent living in the final year for boarding students, personal tutors, and many enrichment and leadership opportunities, our Independent Sixth Form education provides the best possible stepping stone to life beyond school.

The best way to get a taste of everything our Sixth Form offers is to join us on one of our Open Days.

* Winner of the Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing category.

Watch an overview of the Sixth Form at QM with Senior Tutor Claire Nadin

The A Level Curriculum

The curriculum in the Sixth Form capitalises on the strengths and interests of each student. Girls can choose from 30 subjects, providing in-depth study.

Sixth Form at Queen Margaret's is designed to prepare girls for their A Level examinations and life beyond the school.

To align their academic interests with your abilities, interests and future aspirations, our staff help guide student in selecting their A Level subjects. Timetables are then built around these choices wherever possible.

Girls usually select three subjects to take to A Level. Depending on other commitments, they may also choose to take a fourth subject.

A Level subjects include:

Art: Fine Art

Art: Photography

Art: Textile Design

Art: Graphic Communication

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Chinese (for native speakers)

Classical Civilisation

Classical Greek

Computer Science

Drama and Theatre

Economics

English Language and Literature

English Literature

Food Science and Nutrition (Level 3 Diploma)

Geography

History

History of Art

Latin

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

MFL: French

MFL: Spanish

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Politics

Psychology

Extended Project Qualification (self-directed)

QM also offers additional courses such as LAMDA, Life Skills and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, as well as many great enrichment clubs such as Advanced Cookery for Sixth Formers.

For a detailed overview of each subject, take a look at our Sixth Form brochure below.

Proven A Level Results at Queen Margaret’s

The results days in August 2022 brought with them lots of happy QM girls - the excellent grades they achieved will enable them to pursue their very individual dreams.

At A Level nearly half (49%) of all girls achieved two or more of the much sought-after A*-A grades. 91% of all entries scored A*-C. There were particular successes in Music, Geography and Latin, with 100% of girls achieving A*-A and notable achievements at the highest level in Physics, English Literature, Fine Art and French.

The results provide a fantastic foundation for the next stage of each girl’s educational journey and demonstrate that QM girls are ready to 'take on the world'

The 2022 Room

The 2022 Room is our dedicated workspace for Sixth Formers. Featuring a modern open-plan design with a separate meeting room and kitchenette, The 2022 Room offers the ideal place to study, collaborate, meet online, and relax.

This dedicated study space away from Cloisters and Cottages is a fantastic addition to the QM Experience for Sixth Formers, and gives students a flavour of the modern workplace environment.

Find out more | The 2022 Room

Sixth Form Boarding

If you are considering boarding in Sixth Form, our recently refurbished Cloisters accommodation offers modern loft-style living with twin study bedrooms, common rooms, a laundry room, a large cafe and a garden terrace. Find out more about Cloisters here.

Boarding in Upper Sixth is very different from other schools. At QM, we equip you for the next step of your journey.

Upper Sixth Form students board in single study bedrooms in The Cottages; a series of period homes within the school grounds, described by The Good Schools Guide as “the jewels in QM’s boarding crown.” Here, our independent Sixth Formers share their homes with a small group of friends. Find out more about The Cottages here.

What do the QM Sixth Formers Think?

Of course, the best way to really get a feel for what life is like in the Sixth Form at QM is to hear from our current girls. Nancy is a Weekly Boarder, she loves the support and advice she gets from her teachers and house staff and can give you an insight into the extra-curricular activities on offer in Sixth Form at QM...

Gabriella shares what has made her Sixth Form experience so unique, from the no-uniform policy to the Sixth Form social hub, Cellars. She also offers reassuring words for girls moving from another School to begin Sixth Form at QM...

Lower Sixth Former, Connie, loves the location of the School, as well as the sense of community.

Follow UVI girl, Rose as she takes you through a day in the life of a Sixth Former at QM.

If you’d like to know more about starting Sixth Form at Queen Margaret’s, our friendly Admissions Team (Alison and Alice) are on hand to talk you through everything you need to know. Complete the short form below and we'll be in touch shortly. You can also call our Admissions Team on 01904 727630.

Here you can learn more about our Sixth Form Dress Code.